You never forget your first time at the fest. And these four Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival newbies tell us what prompted them to come and whether the three-day event lived up to their expectations.

Antonio Harvey, 26 of New Haven, Conn.

Why I came: Well, Beyonce headlined and I love Beyonce; she’s a total inspiration. I was like, ‘I have to go, I’ve never experienced this and camping.’

Did it meet expectations: Absolutely. The food is to die for, the people are so nice and everyone has been so inspiring – so many different looks, so many vibes. It’s just such a vibing experience. I only really came for Beyonce, but the people before Beyonce and the people I saw today, so many people are so great. It’s just such a great experience; I’m so happy I came. It’s been so amazing that I don’t want to leave.

Kelsey Cole, 26 of Huntington Beach

Why I came: I love music and I couldn’t resist. I like it, because there’s more than one act you want to see.

Did it meet expectations: I had no expectations. Expect nothing and always exceed your expectations. It’s fabulous. Everyone has been so nice to each other; it’s such an experience. You meet so many amazing people – the music and vibes, you can’t get this anywhere else.

Brooke Lowery, 24 Westwood

Why I came: I’ve never been to a festival before, and the Weeknd is my favorite artist so that’s what motivated me to go.

Did it meet expectations: It’s been everything that I wanted it to be. Just having friends with me, meeting people, and getting to roam and do all these fun things made everything. And the music is good.

Kevin Gowrowski, of Hollywood, at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio Sunday, April 22, 2018. (Photo by Thomas R. Cordova/Daily Breeze)

Did it meet expectations: A lot of people are very extra, which I enjoy. I’m extra myself. I work outside, I’m a zookeeper, and the weather for this time of year is usually hot, but this weekend has been mild. Also, I’m very musically naive and I had no idea, but I have a group of friends who know what I should be listening to, so I did. I don’t remember who I checked out but I had a great time.

Liset Márquez covers the cities of Pomona, Claremont, La Verne and San Dimas for the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. A beat reporter for the Bulletin since 2006, she previously wrote for the Chattanooga Times Free Press. She keeps a watchful eye on city councils and the Dodgers.